DK Shivakumar to be sworn in as Karnataka CM today; Cabinet list announcement expected

DK Shivakumar is set to become Karnataka's 24th Chief Minister today, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 4 PM at Bengaluru's Lok Bhavan. Shivakumar was chosen as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party during its meeting on May 30, replacing Siddaramaiah, who resigned from the CM post on May 28. Siddaramaiah served as Chief Minister from May 20, 2023, to May 28, 2026.

Shivakumar has stated that the Congress high command will release the list of ministers for the new cabinet by Wednesday morning or afternoon. He clarified that names circulating in the media are not official, and the final list will come from Delhi. Reports suggest that the new cabinet may include Siddaramaiah and Mallikarjun Kharge's sons, and up to four Deputy Chief Ministers could be appointed. Additionally, 10 ministers from the current cabinet may be replaced.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by prominent Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Chief Ministers from Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand.

Separately, Siddaramaiah has been appointed as a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) a day before the swearing-in. Shivakumar, known for his financial and logistical management within the party, has faced legal scrutiny, including money laundering investigations by the ED and CBI.

Shivakumar's appointment marks a significant shift in Karnataka's political landscape, with Congress aiming to solidify its governance in the state.